Paddy McKeating is the Head of History at JKS. He joined King's in 2021.

What is your favourite memory at King’s?

My favourite memory at King’s is the Keas house winning the house song in 2023. Under my guidance since 2018 we have won next to nothing so to celebrate with the pupils, staff and parents was truly memorable. I may have let myself down with an impromptu invasion of the stage but we’ll put that down to giddiness.

I think we all remember dressing up for our History lessons in Junior school. What has been your favourite History lesson you’ve given thus far and why?

My favourite History lesson has been on the Glorious and Bloodless Revolution. I love analysing the bizarre family tree of the Stuarts then discussing how and why James II was forced to abdicate. Every time I teach this topic it provokes such fascinating conversations and debates. Additionally, Mrs Smiley and I routinely fall out on this topic because I take the side of the catholic monarch whereas she firmly sides with the protestants. It always feels like the reformation coming to life.

Do you have a favourite artefact or period?

I think that all parts of the past are engaging; one just needs to find the hooks that draw us in. So my favourite areas of the past tend to change depending on what I am reading. Perhaps now I would say that my favourite area is the shift from Keynesian economics in the west to the more ‘Thatcherite’ model. It is here that I feel the world in which I grew up really starts to take shape. As far as a favourite artefact? Definitely the unexploded mortar bomb from World War Two which was found in a Manor House gutter.

What do you do when you’re not at King’s?

When not in King’s I spend a lot of time with my wife and four year old twins. I am in the process of convincing my children Finn and Nuala that they should follow Ireland in all sports even though they are English, have an English mother and live in England. So far we have mixed results but I shall report back.

What is at the top of your bucket list?

Flying first class on a long haul flight. I have always been a total plane geek so would love to have a little cabin on an A380 or A350 for at least 12 hours. The direct flight from London to Perth would be great because I could visit my brother who lives there. To quote Wayne’s World, “does this guy know how to party or what?”